Easy As Pie

Jim is not generally the social coordinator for the family, but last week, while on one of his frequent calls to my cousin Greg, he arranged for us to come down to have supper with them, so Friday night found us at Greg and Annah's in Buxton. We were missing Jubal who already had arranged to go to the movies with some friends. The kids had a great time entertaining, and being entertained by, their little cousins Greg and Timmy while Jim and I relaxed and enjoyed our visit, which ended, keeping with tradition, on the late side of the evening. In fact, Jubal made it home before we did. I knew this would be the case and put Tell in his jammies before we left Buxton, a very wise decision.....straight from the car to the bed. Before we left, Annah gave me some of their rhubarb that grows wild by their house. At my childhood house on Middle St. in Eastport, we also had rhubarb that grew wild behind the house and I could often be found chewing on a sour stalk. I decided to use this batch to attempt one of my favorite pies, strawberry-rhubarb. I haven't tasted it yet, but it looks quite edible. We'll wait for the taste tests to be taken before I pat myself on the back.

Sickness Silverlining

I'm finally feeling better after battling sickness for a few days. All the kids, excepting Jubal, picked it up before me, and of course I said the cliche' motherly things to them. This included, "Drink lots of water to help your body fight off the sickness. It will help you feel better." So, when I came down with it, my little 5-year old Telly greeted me two mornings in a row with a glass of water that he had poured himself, telling me, "Thith will hep you feel better." What a sweet gesture, and I love knowing that sometimes they really do listen!

Firsts and Lasts

The first ice cream of the season is always a reason to celebrate. The same is true of the last day of school. Jubal combined both of these yesterday as the kids and I hit Witch Spring Hill Ice Cream after the boys' piano lesson. He is now enjoying academic freedom until September. Nolan and Atira will need to wait another four weeks, unfortunately. Another cause for celebration yesterday, was Dad's 60th birthday, which marks the beginning of official "oldness" for him. Today, Jen and Randy Keach and I had the last Good New Club of the year at Woolwich Central School. It was a bit sad to know we won't see them until the new school year; they've been such an enjoyable group of kids. I know I'll see quite a few of them at our church's VBS in a few weeks, however, and I really need to get studying for that event. It's coming up quickly, yikes!

Mom's the Word

Some highlights of my Mother's Day:

• Jim attempting to determine why my dryer won't heat up, instead of heading to the gym early this morning like he had wanted to.....
• Attending church with my mother and being thankful that she is still here on this earth to appreciate........
  
• Teaming up with my friend Peg McConnell and sharing loads of laughter while instigating mischief at church......
• Toddler hugs from Tell, they're the best!
• Dandelions from Atira
  
• Visiting at Papa and BawBaw's and spending just a bit of time with my Aunt Laure from Arkansas........
  
• Ending the day with friends who just happen to be family, Greg and Cuzannah......

If You Can't Cook.......

I would not consider the preparation of food to be one of my hobbies. This being the case, it is always nice to surround yourself with friends that mix, whip, and stir their way through a kitchen with ease. My friend Heidi Morrill is one that turns mundane earthly ingredients into small slices of heaven so it's always a treat when she puts on a spread. You should see the eyes of my culinary-deprived men light up, and the sighs of contentment at the mention of an invitation to the Morrill's. No matter what time of day we descend upon the house, there is at the very least, a lovingly baked goodie waiting on the kitchen island. If we're lucky, it's an invitation to an actual meal. This was the case today and Heidi did not disappoint. What an array of pleasure for sight and taste awaited us after church! There were biscuits, bacon, eggs, toast, chicken cordon-bleu breakfast casserole, plain french toast, stuffed french toast encrusted with almonds, fried potatoes, stuffed monkey bread and fresh mango, kiwi, pineapple and strawberries. The only thing better than all the delicious food was washing it down with the laughter of friends.

In The Shadow of the Cross

This is the name of the Coastal Christian high school production that has been running this weekend at the Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro. Jubal was a Roman guard, a small non-speaking role. I'm happy to report that he managed to portray all of his facial expressions flawlessly. The play, written by one of Jubal's teachers, Ms. Townsend, flowed very smoothly and the students really did an excellent job portraying the characters. The two main actors did an outstanding job learning an impressive amount of lines. It was an enjoyable way to spend a couple hours.

Bring On The Sunshine!

This was a day to be spent outside.....and so I kicked the kids out into the yard and then joined them in the glorious warmth of spring. While they ran around the house, jumped on the trampoline, and sent Minnie Mouse on a spelunking adventure, I spent the afternoon clearing out my largest flower garden. One down and two to go. My poor plots of dirt were completely neglected last year and it will not happen again.